TDP eyes key Cabinet positions in Modi’s government

New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing tug-of-war to acquire important Cabinet portfolios in Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, one of the major National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents -the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) - has already set its eyes on couple of key positions in the new Council of Ministers.

Reports suggest that the TDP would lobby for at least two Cabinet berths and two Minister of State positions in Modi government.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had earlier on Wednesday announced his decision to be a part of the government at the Centre and claimed that it was a collective responsibility to make sure Seemandhra’s development.

Modi is believed to be against having a mega Cabinet at the start of his tenure since it would be convenient to operate.

Modi-led government may expand its Cabinet sometime in the future after reviewing the performances of his ministers in their allotted portfolios.

However, keeping in mind the ‘coalition dharma’, Modi might change his plans to start his stint as the country’s Prime Minister with a smaller Cabinet and may try to give each and every partner of the NDA, which has 29 member parties, some kind of representation in his preliminary Cabinet.

Several reports claim that talks over possible Cabinet berths for the TDP have already taken place between Naidu and Modi with the former Gujarat chief minister apprising him of his preference of having a smaller Cabinet.

According to reports, Naidu informed Modi that it is crucial for the party to have representation in the Cabinet to ensure sufficient aid from the Centre for Andhra Pradesh’s growth.